Eating Fish Increases Brain Volume

When it comes to health, there’s nothing fishy about eating fish. A new study has found a link between regular fish consumption and increased brain volume. Published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, the study looked at the dietary habits of 260 cognitively healthy individuals and brain images of the same individuals taken ten years later. Researchers discovered that people who eat baked or broiled fish once a week have a 14% increase in the size of their hippocampus (the brain’s memory and learning center). Although brain volume increased regardless of the individual’s omega-3 fatty acid blood levels, previous research on both humans and animals has shown that omega-3 fats can protect against cognitive decline and brain shrinkage. For example, omega-3 supplements have led to improvements in memory and learning functions in people with age-related cognitive decline. While it’s likely that, in general, people who eat fish more frequently have healthier lifestyles that protect the brain, there is sufficient research to suggest that omega-3 fats themselves may also play an important role in maintaining brain health.